Through the undergrowth ahead, I see them.
Tactical gear. Night vision goggles. Weapons.
Syndicate operatives.
And they’re heading straight toward the village.
Oh God.
Fear crashes over me, washing away the hurt and anger.
I have to warn him. Have to get back before—
A hand clamps over my mouth.
An arm wraps around my waist, lifting me off my feet.
“Well… what do we have here?” The voice is mocking. Too close to my ear.
I try to scream. Try to fight.
But there are too many of them.
And the last thing I see before a cloth pressed over my nose makes everything go dark is the village in the distance.
Where K is.
Where I left him.
And it’s too late to warn anyone.
Chapter 14
K.
I stand in the empty cabin, staring at the door Mara just fled through.
The air still smells of her. Of us. Of sex and woodsmoke and the sweet wine on her breath.
And beneath it all—shame.
Lyria.
I didn’t mean to say it. Didn’t even realize I had until I saw Mara’s face change. Saw the warmth drain from her eyes, replaced by something cold and devastated.
I should go after her.
My body moves toward the door before thought catches up. Hand on the rough wood, ready to pull it open and run after her into the night.
But what would I say?
I’m sorry I called you another woman’s name while inside you?
I don’t know who she is, but apparently, some part of me still remembers her?
You’re not a replacement, even though I just proved you are?
The excuses taste as hollow as they sound.
